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Pints and Pirates Bus Run

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•July 29, 2026•

Sparrows Unlimited Inc. will host a Pints and Pirates Bus Run on Saturday, September 26. Space on the three buses is limited and pre-registration is required. The three locations participants may register are Jerry’s East End in Lovington (40 people), the Bethany American Legion Post (14 people) or the Shamrock in Dalton City (14 people). The registration fee is $30 per person, which must be paid when registering, and a new unwrapped toy to be brought on run day. 

The buses will depart from each registration location the day of the run at 11:30 a.m. Games will be played at each stop, prizes will be awarded for best costumes and each person will receive a code that may unlock a special treasure chest at each destination. All participants will be returned to their starting location after the conclusion of the run.

The run is part of annual fundraising efforts by Sparrows Unlimited as they continue to assist in helping the Lovington community and brightening Christmas for kids.

Heritage Woods Breakfast

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•July 29, 2026•

Heritage Woods of Sullivan, 20 Courtyard Blvd., will host a free breakfast on Friday, August 28 for those 65 or older from 7:00-9:00 a.m. RSVP is required by August 20 by calling 217-728-4300.

Allenville church concert series

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•July 29, 2026•

The Allenville Christian Church, located at 201 Allen Street, will present P.J. Anderson on Saturday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m. 

Every lyric and song by singer-songwriter P.J. Anderson reflects her deep love for God and commitment to sharing the Gospel. Touring nationwide, she uses music as a way to serve others, believing she is called to love, serve, and spread faith. P.J.’s music career began humbly in Veterans’ homes where she sang for residents she felt were often forgotten. These experiences inspired her first CD, ‘Gone’, recorded in Nashville, where she was encouraged to begin songwriting. With prayer and spiritual growth, she went on to write all the songs on her next album, ‘I Want to Be a Witness’, allowing audiences to connect deeply with her personal story.

Refreshments will be available, a free Will offering will be taken. For more information, contact Pastor Bob Vail at (217) 254-3433.

Recent Obituaries: Roger O. Waggoner

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Roger O. Waggoner, 84, of Decatur, passed away at 6:16 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2026 in his residence.

Celebration of Life services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Bethany. Memorial are suggested to the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Roger was born January 18, 1942 in Sullivan, the son of Ray and Edna Helen Heiland Waggoner. He had been an electrician for A. E Staley in Decatur. Roger attended GT Church in Decatur. He married Esther D. Patrick on April 14, 1962 in Mattoon and she preceded him in death on November 11, 2007.  

Surviving are his daughters Kimberly Sue (Joe) Carnahan of Decatur, Maryann (Brent) Carter of Florida and Tracy Cook of Sullivan; son Roger A. Waggoner of Decatur; granddaughter Brooke Elizabeth Kidwell and sisters Judy (Terry) Lane and Cathy Waggoner of Sullivan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and brother Ron Waggoner.

Sullivan school board approves tentative budget, property purchases

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•July 22, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

At its board meeting held Monday evening, July 13, the Sullivan Community Unit School District No. 300 Board of Education approved a tentative budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, giving the district an initial financial framework while officials await final state funding figures expected later this summer.

Superintendent Dr. Ted Walk said the tentative budget is intended to provide a general outline for the coming year. Because the district has not yet received its state funding allocations, a more complete budget with updated revenue projections will be presented for board approval in September.

The board unanimously approved the tentative budget.

Capital projects included in the tentative budget primarily focus on the district’s track project, though Walk said transportation-related projects may be added before the final budget is adopted. Updated figures related to payments for the new high school are expected to be included in the September budget as well.

The board approved the purchase of two residential properties to support future transportation operations.

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Moultrie-Douglas Contestants

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New royalty to be crowned
The Moultrie-Douglas County Fair Pageant will be held Monday, July 27th at 6:00 p.m. for Little Miss Fair Queen and 7:00 p.m. for Miss and Junior Miss Fair Queen located at the south track on the Mo-Do Fairgrounds. Vying for the title of Miss Moultrie Douglas Fair Queen are: Abigail Meyer of Tuscola, Addee Mulligan of Arcola, Sarah Rogers of Atwood, Ava Whitson of Tuscola, Addisyn Wilson of Villa Grove, Emma Spillman of Tuscola, Aymara Leal of Arcola and Katilyn Kirby of Sullivan.

Jr Miss Moultrie-Douglas contestants
Vying for the title of Jr Miss Moultrie-Douglas are: Harper Hale of Arthur, Brooklyn Bates of Sullivan, Sofie Reifsteck of Tuscola, Sophia Wilson of Arcola, Miley Rennels of Tuscola, Ava Warren of Sullivan, Tatum Faust of Pesotum, Maggie Meyer of Tuscola and Audrey Warren of Sullivan, pictured 2025 Jr Miss Moultrie-Douglas Quinn Chapman of Villa Grove.
Little Miss Moultrie-Douglas contestants
Vying for the title of Little Miss Moultrie-Douglas are: Everleigh Allen of Tuscola, Emelia Shelmadine of Tuscola, Arabella Butterick of Arthur, Josslyn Leigh Brown of Sullivan, Athalia Juliet Sanchez of Arcola, Myla Ro Oye of Arthur, Sophie Elliott of Sullivan, Rosie Smith of Villa Grove, Tinley Eads of Arthur, Alayna Guadiana of Arcola and Alexandria Brackemyre of Lovington, pictured with 2025 Little Miss Moultrie-Douglas Joslynn Steffens of Tuscola.

95th Moultrie-Douglas County Fair set

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•July 22, 2026•

The 95th Moultrie-Douglas County Fair will celebrate its milestone year July 26 through Aug. 2 at the fairgrounds in Arthur, offering a full week of livestock shows, carnival rides, pageants, entertainment, motorsports and family-friendly activities.

The fair officially opens Sunday, July 26, with the Sheep Show at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Goat Show at 2:00 p.m. and a community church service at 6:00 p.m.

Livestock competition continues throughout the week, beginning Monday with the 4-H Poultry Show at 5:00 p.m. and the 4-H Rabbit, Small Pets and Cat Show at 6:00 p.m. Monday evening also features the opening of the carnival from 6:00-10:00 p.m. with a ticket special, followed by the Little Miss Pageant at 6:00 p.m. and the Miss and Junior Miss Pageant at 7:00 p.m.

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Why Back-to-School immunizations matter

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Act now to help your child stay current on immunizations 


•July 22, 2026•

by Angela Hogan

As families anticipate another new school year, student registration and shopping for required supplies often top the to-do list. In addition, parents and guardians in Illinois need to ensure their student is up to date with the minimum required vaccines.

Protect Your Child

Vaccines work by helping the body’s immune system recognize and fight certain diseases before they can cause serious illness. Children who are vaccinated are less likely to become sick or suffer serious health consequences from vaccine-preventable illnesses. This not only reduces the risk of missed school days but also provides your child with enhanced immunity, all day, every day.  

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Braxton Keith headlines Moultrie-Douglas County Fair

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•July 22, 2026•

Braxton Keith, known for his modern take on country and his roots in Texas Honky Tonks, will be the headliner for the 2026 Moultrie-Douglas County Fair. The concert is set for Saturday, August 1 at the fairgrounds in Arthur. Braxton’s energetic shows and fresh spin on tradition have earned him a fast-growing fanbase. His single, “Cozy” is featured on major playlists, and his vibrant live performance is sure to be a highlight at this year’s fair.

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